Student combat veterans comprise a unique subpopulation within institutions of higher education. To date, however, most research has been conducted on student veterans, not student combat veterans; and these studies were conducted at four-year institutions with minimal inquiry or analysis performed at the level where the vast majority of veterans attend school -- the community college. While some research has discussed services these institutions should offer student veterans, little research has been conducted on understanding the lived experiences of veterans transitioning from combat warrior to college student. A group of student combat veterans took part in an effort to describe their lived experiences as combat veterans transitioning to and within a community college after active combat deployments. Findings include the beneficial attributes these students acquired in military education and training coupled with their combat experiences, barriers encountered transitioning to and within the community college, and the holistic application of beneficial attributes to overcome barriers. The experiences of combat veterans who enroll in a community college after deployment in a combat environment since September 11, 2001, have not been adequately researched and remain largely unknown (Jones, 2017; Ewing, 2011; Gomez, 2011; Karni, 2011; Wood, 2011; Rumann, 2010). Existing transition theories and models are largely inadequate having been framed around traditional four-year institutions. Nonetheless, Schlossberg's transition theory (2011) with the 4S resource model provided a satisfactory theoretical framework for this study. Given the paucity of literature on this subpopulation, higher education professionals may not have the necessary information to effectively assist this unique student population. Further research will expand the body of knowledge in this essential area and lead to more effective educational services and policies regarding student combat veterans. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]